As our community continues to face a tight economy and shrinking budgets, the Daily Record has established this page that will each week chronicle the efforts of local nonprofit organizations. Bailey Publishing & Communications invites all members of the local nonprofit community to submit news, announcements, success stories and any other information they believe would be of interest to our readers. Email to: [email protected]. We encourage our readers to become more aware of the needs of these worthy organizations as they continue to provide much-needed services with reduced resources.
Senior Life Foundation receives $30,000 grant
The Jim Moran Foundation increased its support of the Senior Life Foundation's Emergency Help Line with a $30,000 grant over two years.
"The Jim Moran Foundation's increased multiyear support is a blessing for both SLF and its clients. In Duval County, low-income seniors represent over 17 percent of the total population that is below the poverty level. These seniors live month to month on very small Social Security checks or Supplemental Security Income checks," said foundation CEO Mari Terbrueggen.
Seniors can call the help line at (904) 268-9128 to complete a request form for assistance over the phone with a trained volunteer.
To qualify for assistance, individuals must be Duval County residents, be 60 or older, have a total household income of $1,000 per month or less or $1,100 for two or more, and live in their own home or apartment. Seniors are eligible for assistance every 24 months.
When a request is approved, the foundation directly pays the senior's bill to solve the problem.
Urgent needs include help with life-sustaining food or prescriptions, rent or mortgage assistance to forestall eviction, utility bills, hospital copays or ambulance fees not covered by insurance, essential appliances or medical equipment.
The foundation's mission is to help meet the urgent needs sof low-income seniors in Duval County with a rapid response time and to help them live independently and with dignity.
It has invested more than $35 million in education, elder care, family strengthening, after-school and youth transitional living initiatives since its inception in 2000 with efforts focused in Broward, Palm Beach and Duval counties.
Second Harvest distribution event July 24
Summer is the toughest season for nonprofit agencies trying to feed increased numbers of people needing help with food from Second Harvest North Florida.
However, the food bank will combat the annual spike in acute hunger issues July 24 with a mass food distribution event at EverBank Field.
Second Harvest will provide immediate relief by distributing more than 150,000 pounds of frozen meat, fresh produce and canned food into the hands of about 2,500 area families at the event, said Bruce Ganger, Second Harvest North Florida executive director.
"Many of the families we serve have kids who were likely benefiting from free or reduced fee school lunches or a weekend program during the year, so it's only natural that during the summer, food insecurity is on the rise. I'm just thankful that this summer we can do something significant to alleviate the acute hunger issues struggling families are facing," said Ganger.
Second Harvest has operated mass food distribution events through mobile pantries or Thanksgiving dinner giveaway programs, but those events are designed to serve hundreds, not thousands, Ganger said.
"Working with our nonprofit agency partners, the Second Harvest team understands the types of food the community needs, and when it's needed," Ganger said.
Second Harvest employees and volunteers will divide food into enough packets to feed 2,500 families of four for five to six days.
The packages will contain frozen meats, fresh produce, canned fruits, vegetables and boxed shelf products.
Foundation Financial helps Family Support Services
Foundation Financial Group recently assisted Family Support Services Inc. through time and resources in a Downtown workshop.
Employees from Foundation Financial's Jacksonville Regional Sales Center helped Family Support Services improve foster-family relationships.
"Family Support Services could not have asked for a better volunteer group to help with our caregiver training," said Roberta Zipperer, senior director of foster care services.
Family Support Services offers protection services previously performed by the Department of Children and Family Services in Jacksonville
Foundation Financial employees gathered Downtown at First Baptist Church to help host a Caregiver Training Workshop for foster families. The workshop focused on helping foster parents learn new parenting techniques specific to the needs of foster children.
Foundation Financial volunteers directed attendees, managed the day care and assisted with the dental clinic while foster parents attended the training seminar.
Foundation Financial employees were on-site to help set up and close down the event.
Photo contest promotes Big Talbot Island
North Florida Land Trust kicked off a summer-long promotion for Big Talbot Island with a photo contest: "I LOVE BTI."
The contest promotes the park's natural beauty and recreational opportunities by encouraging people to walk, beach, bike, bird watch, cook out, kayak, boat or fish at Big Talbot Island, then take a photo with the land trust's promo postcard included in the picture.
Postcards are available for download at bigtalbotisland.com, its offices at 804 Third St. in Neptune Beach, Kayak Amelia, or area outdoor stores including Champion Cycle, REI and Black Creek Outfitters.
Outdoor enthusiasts who upload images with the postcard on bigtalbotisland.com will be entered to win a GoPro Hero 3 HD camera.
Participants also are encouraged to share on social media at #gobti or facebook.com/northfloridalandtrust.
The drawing will be held Sept. 28.
"We want people to get out there to see, share and enjoy the untouched natural beauty and serenity at Big Talbot," said Bonnie Barnes, executive director of the organization.
"Overall, it's a fun way to share all the great ways people enjoy Big Talbot Island's unique land and waterways, while continuing the 'conservation conversation' about land preservation, in general," said Barnes.
Founded in 1999, North Florida Land Trust spans seven counties in North Florida, protecting more than 2,500 acres locally, including land at Big Talbot Island, the River Branch Preserve, Pumpkin Hill State Park, Moccasin Slough, and along the St. Marys River.
The community-based organization operates as a 501c3 nonprofit and serves Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties.
For more information, visit northfloridalandtrust.org.